Fungus · GBIF taxon 2538445
Scarlet Waxy Cap
Hygrocybe coccineaAlso known as Scarlet Hood, Scarlet Waxcap, Righteous Red Waxy Cap
Scarlet waxy caps emerge as brilliant crimson beacons among short turf and moss, fading to warm orange-yellow hues as their bell-shaped caps expand and mature. Their subterranean mycelial networks form complex biotrophic associations with mosses and herbaceous roots in undisturbed grasslands. These vibrant fruiting bodies serve as key bioindicators of ancient, nutrient-poor pastures that have escaped synthetic fertilizers and agricultural plowing.
GrasslandColorfulBioindicator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Plant root exudates
- Moss carbohydrates
- Soil organic matter
Predators
- Slugs
- Fungus gnat larvae
- Small rodents
ThreatsAgricultural intensification, artificial fertilizer application, and habitat loss
HabitatsUnimproved pastures, mossy lawns, heaths, and damp woodland borders
Life spanFruiting bodies persist 1–2 weeks; subterranean mycelium survives decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAgaricales
- FamilyHygrophoraceae
- GenusHygrocybe
- SpeciesHygrocybe coccinea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Habitat Spotting: Search nutrient-poor, unfertilized pastures and mossy churchyards during damp autumn weeks.
- Gills Inspection: Look beneath the cap for thick, waxy, widely spaced gills attached directly to the stem.
- Tread Lightly: Walk carefully around moss cushions to protect the underlying mycelium from compaction.
Close Relative gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Lisa Bennett, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lisa Bennett · cc-by
Close Relative Jymm / Public domain · cc0
Same Family (c) GLJIVARSKO DRUSTVO NIS, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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